Chapter 444
Chapter 444
E and Jack stood facing each other in silence, but the air was thick with a syrupy sweetness that
everyone in the room could feel.
Love didn’t need a grand deration; their tender gazes and subtle gestures said it all.
Jeff furrowed his brow, ncing at hispanion Emeric, whose expression also betrayed a hint of
gloom:
“Alright, alright, I can’t tell you what to do. Toss your money around as you please,” Evadne said,
turning away to hide her smile.
Avery was left stewing on the sidelines, a tempest of anger brewing in his chest.
Thaddeus noticed Avery’s face grow paler by the second, his features twisting into a sinister sneer,
reminiscent of a devil waiting to devour his prey.
Thaddeus felt no thrill of victory. On the contrary, he feared the man might be concocting some vile
scheme in the shadows. His only concern was keeping Evadne safe.
Instinctively, he moved to stand protectively behind Evadne, like a silent, imposing mountain, offering
his unwavering support.
The big shots began cing their bets. Jareth didn’t go for the Abernathy Group’s horse nor the
Ashbourne family’s steed. Instead, he followed Mari’s advice and chose a radiant white horse, albeit
not the most outstanding contender.
His reasoning? It looked good.
After all, girls don’t differ much when ites to picking horses or cars. It’s not about horsepower or
performance. It’s about the aesthetics!
Jareth was in high spirits, waving his hand and betting a cool two million on horse number fourteen as
easily as flicking away twenty thousand jellybeans. All he cared about was making his darling wife
happy.
“Mr. Morris, would you care to ce a wager?” Frederic asked, standing beside William and his son
with a genial smile.
“I am indeed interested, but horse racing isn’t just entertainment, it’s also an investment,” William said,
scanning the expansive track through his binocrs. “I’m looking for a horse with excellent pedigree
and quality. If its owner can take proper care of it and finish first, then I believe their business acumen
and strength won’t becking.”
Frederic’s brows knitted slightly.
It seemed William was hinting at scouting for new business partners.
The Abernathy Group had already signed a contract with the J Group to build amercialplex in
the nation’srgest city next year, with everything ready to go.
Could it be that William had other business ns in mind, seeking domestic coboration?
“As everyone knows, our nation’s g features a horse. Not only is the horse our national symbol, but
equestrian sports are beloved by citizens and nobles alike. Last month, our group decided to partner
with your esteemed financial consortium. We n to establish four luxury equestrian–themed hotels
thatbine hospitality and entertainment in both our nations,” William said with a smile.
“We’ve done the market research. This hotel concept isn’t new in our country, but there isn’t a single
one like it in the whole of Elmsworth. If we can introduce this model in cities like Elmsworth, I’m sure it
will attract attention from all quarters. The potential business value is immense,” Ford added proudly,
unable to hide his smug grin.
Their conversation was loud enough for all the heavy hitters in attendance to overhear.
Jeff and Barry’s eyes sparkled with unbridled ambition.
Catching a ride with the J Group could mean that Elmsworth would no longer be dominated solely by
the Abernathy Group! In the cutthroat world of business, who wouldn’t want a piece of the pie?
Frederic’s heart raced with excitement, his fists clenched in anticipation.
Although he resented that William and his son didn’t prioritize their existing partnership with the
Abernathy Group, choosing instead to cast a wider, he understood the wisdom of not putting all
eggs in one basket.
“So, Mr. Morris,” Frederic said with a confident smile, “the Abernathy Group has a strong presence in
Elmsworth and other cities with our racecourses. When ites to equestrian facilities, we’re the most
experienced in all of Elmsworth.”
“That’s a bit of a stretch,” Barry muttered under his breath, scoffing at Frederic’s im.
“Mr. Frederic, your group may have racecourses, but let’s not be too hasty iming ‘the most
experienced,” Jeff interjected, unable to stand on the sidelines any longer. “The Chambers Group is
hosting today, and this racecourse is thergest in Elmsworth. Let’s not forget that.”
Frederic remained unfazed. “That’s only because you built yourster. Back in the day, the Abernathy
Group was unmatched.”
Jeff couldn’t let that slide, bringing up his close ally, “The K Group built their own racecourse thirty
years ago, not only the biggest in the country at the time but still the only one in Skyrim. Chairman
Emeric never boasted about being the best, Mr. Frederic, yet you seem pretty bold using that phrase.”
Emeric was taken aback. “What does this have to do with me?”
Frederic’s frustration was palpable, but he kept his cool, biting back the anger rising within him.
Right now, Jeff was tying himself tightly to the Ashbourne family, likely as a move against the
Abernathy Group, securing a powerful ally in his corner.
“Look, what’s the point of just pping together a race track? It’s all about the quality of the horses and
a solid supply chain. And let’s be real, K’s got more chops in that department than the Abernathy
Group, hands down. They’ve got thoroughbreds from overseas and a huge stable back in Skyrim.
Horse quality? Not even a worry.”
Jeffymade no effort to hide his disdain for the Abernathy Group, his words loaded with barbs.
Especially thatst dig–it was like poking a bear for Frederic.
“You know, Mr. Morris, over at the Fairhaven Group, we’ve got our own stables, top–notch horses. The
one we brought to the derby today, Lucky Number Eight!” Barry stayed on the sidelines, but Gary didn’t
miss a beat, eager to promote his own.
Landing a deal with the J Group for the Fairhaven Group would skyrocket Gary’s rep within the
company and in the old man’s good graces. Taking down Jareth would be like squashing a bug!
That Jareth, clinging to his dim–witted damsel, might as well spend his life staying with his silly wife!
The tension among the three tycoons, minus Emeric, was thick enough to cut with a knife.
“Evadne, your dad’s got the patience of a saint, all calm and collected, Thaddeus Winded in awe to
Evadne.
“Is that olive branch from the J Group tempting you?” Evadne’s eyes danced with mischief as she
nced at her man.
“Tempting.”
“If you’re tempted, you think Emeric can resist?” Evadne elbowed him gently, “Oh, him? He’s just
pretending to be aloof. If he was truly above it all, would he have four wives?”
Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.
Thaddeus could onlyugh at the way she could so casually roast her own father.
“He’s just too used to being on top, hasn’t made a move in years. People eithere groveling to him
or Cassius does the talking. He’s too proud to get his hands dirty anymore,” Evadne said, arms
crossed, shaking her head.
“So, what do we do now?”
Thaddeus’s gaze deepened, his hand finding the small of her back, growing more daring when no one
was watching.
He started by gently kneading the spot he adored, then his hand began to drift lower.
“Hey!”
To his surprise, her sharp heel came down hard on his toes, a mix of pain and pleasure shooting
through him. His custom shoes could be trashed for all he cared; his toes felt like they were on the
brink of shattering.
“Show some respect, Mr. Thaddeus.”
Evadne flicked her raven locks, tickling his cheek, sending his heart fluttering, “Or next time, it might be
a horseshoe on your foot.”
Lowering his gaze, her suitor’s voice turned husky with restraint, “Then, when we get home, maybe we
can?”
“Home talk for home,” Evadne cut him off, her voice firm but her heart in disarray, hershes fluttering
with shyness.
Thaddeus was all but crying inside. Even affection from hisdylove had to be begged for.
Tough life. Who knew!
“Gentlemen, your experience with race tracks and horse breeding is impressive, to say the least.”
William was excited, with a n in mind to test the waters, “How about a friendlypetition in light of
the festivities?”
“Apetition?” The crowd murmured in surprise.
“I hear you’ve all brought horses topete in the derby. Whether handpicked or homebred, let’s have
a race. Whose horse wins the crown will be the J Group’s partner for our new race track resort project!”
<
The announcement sent ripples through the crowd!
It sounded a bit theatrical, but William had his reasons.
First off, the power gap between the four families was marginal, and each had its own strengths within
the country. A contest like this would leave no hard feelings among the three not chosen.
Second, he wasn’t too keen on partnering with the Abernathy Group again, especially not with
Thaddeus.
But considering the Abernathy Group’s standing in Elmsworth, he couldn’t be overt. So, he put them up
against three strong contenders.
Evadne frowned at the thought of a horse race.
She was dying tond that race track resort project!
She was always ambitious, never wanting to miss a shot at making money!
Seeing through her thoughts, Thaddeus Winded, “Evadne, didn’t you just say Mr. Emeric’s Wind is just
average? But the horses that my dad and the Fairhaven family brought are worth millions, clearly to
show off at this derby. So how sure is your victory? If it’s not a sure bet, I’ll send Gordon right now to
fetch a better horse for the race, okay?”
He was her man alright, afraid of her missing out.
“It’s toote for a switch. Besides, Emeric’s pride would take a hit if we suggested it. It’d be like saying
we don’t believe in him.”
Evadne pondered for a moment, her eyes reflecting deep thought, “No matter. It’s not just about the
horse’s talent. The jockey’s skill counts too. A high–performance car is nothing without a top driver. Our
Ashbourne family’s jockey is a former international champion. He’s been working with Wind for years.
They should outperform.”
Just then, Mr. Dn rushed in, his expression tense, and made a beeline for Emeric.
“Something bad happened, Mr. Emeric!”